Visakhapatnam: GVMC commissioner and additional election authority Ketan Garg has directed officials to complete preparations for the second ordinary elections to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) in 2026 and ensure that the polls are conducted freely, fairly and transparently.
Reviewing the arrangements at the GVMC head office on Saturday, Garg said 18,37,901 voters would be eligible to vote at 1,990 polling stations across 120 wards. He asked election officials to remain prepared for their responsibilities and follow all rules and guidelines after the election notification is issued.
Training for returning officers and assistant returning officers has been completed. Presiding and polling officers will undergo training on October 13 and 14. Garg directed officials to make the necessary arrangements at election material distribution centres, strong rooms and counting centres.
Officials were asked to provide drinking water, toilets, electricity, ramps and wheelchairs at all polling stations. Garg also stressed coordination with APSRTC and transport authorities to ensure transport for polling personnel and election materials.
Of the 1,990 polling stations, 91 have been classified as hyper-sensitive, 313 as sensitive, 393 as critical and 1,193 as normal. Officials were directed to coordinate with the police and implement appropriate security measures at each location.
Garg stressed the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and called for transparency, impartiality and accountability throughout the election process. He also asked election staff to educate candidates on nomination procedures, election symbols and expenditure monitoring.
Senior GVMC officials, zonal commissioners, returning officers and other election personnel attended the review meeting, while some officials participated through video conference.
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